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BCCI Struggling To Find Quality Head Coach Candidate As Gambhir's Ties With KKR Deepens

Jay Shah with Gautam Gambhir at IPL 2024 finals (X.com)Jay Shah with Gautam Gambhir at IPL 2024 finals (X.com)

In an interesting update, BCCI seems to be struggling to find a quality candidate for Indian senior cricket team’s head coach position as notable names bow out of the race, including Gautam Gambhir.

BCCI invited applications for soon-to-be vacated Indian cricket team’s head coach role earlier this month. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure expiring after the T20 World Cup 2024, the apex body is keen to embrace a change.

However, the deadline to submit applications ended on Monday, and as per several media reports, not many notable names have applied for the prestigious position. 

Apparently, foreign entities chose to stay out of the race, as BCCI secretary Jay Shah clarified earlier that only candidates with strong ties to Indian domestic cricket would be considered for the role.

While BCCI’s favourite candidate was understood to be VVS Laxman, the ex-Indian batter refused to commit 10 months a year for the demanding job.

That leaves BCCI with Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to its third IPL title last night. However, neither Gambhir nor the board has spoken officially on the matter.

A BCCI source spoke to PTI to confirm that the application deadline is not an issue. The cricket board wants to select the right candidate and will take it’s due time to come to an informed decision.

"The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of the month of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So what's the hurry," BCCI source told PTI.

Interestingly, concern with Gautam Gambhir is his strong ties and bond to KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan. SRK has allowed Gambhir utmost freedom and respect since he first joined KKR over a decade ago.

And with KKR being a large part of Gambhir’s identity, it will be difficult for BCCI to convince the ex-Indian opener to serve the nation first. Also, BCCI has yet to determine players’ thoughts on Gambhir’s potential appointment as head coach.